DETECTIVES investigating a double stabbing in Solihull say they are "concerned" about the spiralling violence used by would-be car thieves.

DETECTIVES investigating a double stabbing in Solihull say they are "concerned" about the spiralling violence used by would-be car thieves.

Steven Murrihy, aged 43, was in a stable condition today after he rushed out of his house in Tanworth Lane, Shirley, to help his wife Denise who was surrounded by three attackers.

Their 18-year-old son Thomas also dashed to help his mother during the attack which happened just before 8pm on Tuesday.

Police believe the men could have followed Denise from a shopping trip at the nearby Tesco store before they ambushed her on the drive.

When she arrived home the three men demanded the keys to her black VW Golf GTI, which the family had only just bought.

But her husband and son ran out to scare off the thieves and were savagely assaulted.

Both were taken to hospital and treated for stab wounds.

Thomas had a single injury to the abdomen and was released in the early hours of yesterday.

His father remained in hospital with multiple injuries where his condition was described by police as "stable". The family live in a three-bedroom 1960s detached house in a leafy area of Solihull and the attack has stunned the community.

The incident was the last in a spate of violent car thefts in Solihull in the last six weeks including a man hit with an iron bar in Marston Green, a man held up at sword-point and a woman dragged from her car, both in Balsall Common.

Detective Inspector Iain Grant, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a really nasty incident. It is fortunate that these men did not lose their lives.

"This level of violence can cause a lot of distress to the victims and concern for us.

"We would advise people in this situation should try not to give any physical resistance to offenders but we understand that the householder may feel differently. The family are very upset."

Police at Solihull are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 0845 113 5000.